Tomintoul Spur: Cragganmore to Tomintoul

Branch off from the low-level Speyside Way for this more dramatic spur across moorland to the high village of Tomintoul. The Glenlivet Distillery a handy stopping point half way along this more challenging spur route.

Terrain

Minor roads, moorland paths and tracks, can be very wet underfoot.

Public Transport

Infrequent buses to Ballindalloch near the start

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Start

Cragganmore. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Description

Stage 1

If joining the Spur from the main Speyside Way, start from Ballindalloch Station at Cragganmore, found at the end of the B9137 just north of the A95 between Cromdale and Aberlour. If using a car it is possible to avoid the initial 4km of road walking by driving to the car park at Auldich and start from there. From Cragganmore, where there is a basic, free camping area with toilet, just off the road, follow the B9137 past the car park and camping area and head uphill, passing the entrance to Balnellan on the left. At the A95, carefully cross the main road and turn left to follow a path on the verge to reach the Bridge of Avon. There is a shop and post office at the garage here. The old stone bridge can be seen as you cross the modern road bridge.

Stage 2

On the far side and take the road (B9008) on the right signed for Tomintoul. Follow this until after a bend, then taking a minor road signed for Auldich on the left after a green metal cockerel. The road climbs steadily uphill to reach the car park and sign board at the end of the public road. Continue ahead with good views back over the valley and soon the road becomes a moorland track. After a short distance the track forks, take the right hand branch which is marked with the Speyside Way symbol. This climbs over heather moorland, skirting below the top of Cairnacay.

Stage 3

The path becomes less distinct and is boggy in places - good navigation skills would be needed in snowy conditions. Still below the summit of Cairnacay the path splits, bear right heading for some sparse pine trees. Here a fence is followed, keep just right of the fence and then cross open moorland following the waymarkers before picking up another fence to run to the right of it which can be boggy especially where cattle have been. As the path overlooks the glen to the right, cross a stile on the left and immediately climb a second stile and then head to the right alongside a fence passing just below the top of the hill of Deskie. Follow the fence (now on your right) to descend towards Deskie, with the large Glenlivet Distillery visible on the hillside opposite. After passing through gorse, climb a stile and turn left along an old lane between fields, turning right after the next stile and then left to skirt round the back of a house and reach a lane. Turn left and then right at Deskie to follow the lane steeply downhill soon reaching Glenlivet Public Hall.

Stage 4

At the hall turn left to cross the bridge. The Speyside Way continues to the right along a section of bank prone to erosion and sometimes a short diversion along the road is signed. The route soon reaches a footbridge over the River Livet, cross and follow the road uphill and turn left at the T junction at the top. Pass the Glenlivet Distillery where you can take a free tour and sample a dram, otherwise continue straight ahead and up the road passing Josie's Well on the left with a view down over the ruins of Blairfindy Castle.

Stage 5

At the corner, turn right to pass Glenlivet House and opposite a conifer plantation turn left to a small car park and information board. Go over the stile and climb the track past a derelict house with a good view back of Ben Rinnes. When the track goes through a gateway keep right through a pedestrian gate and keep climbing alongside the trees. At the next gate there is an information board about Blairfindy Moor which is now crossed on a clear path which can be very boggy at times.

Stage 6

This section has a proper moorland feel, as acres of rolling grouse heather moor can be seen in all directions with the Cairngorm mountains visible ahead. At a fence go through the gate and turn right to the corner where you bear left to follow the boggy path alongside the forestry. Keep straight on at a signed junction and climb to the summit of Carn Daimh which has great all round views of the whole Glenlivet area. Tomnavoulin can be seen to the east. Continue down the stony track signed for Tomintoul.

Stage 7

Go through the gate into the forestry and follow the track which can be very muddy. At a T junction turn right signed for Tomintoul. When the track emerges from the forest keep following it across heathery ground eventually crossing some boardwalk and two stiles before crossing a small bridge over the Chabet Water. Keep straight ahead up the middle path to follow a fence next to a felled area. Go through a gateway and turn immediately right to skirt the edge of the felled area and through another gate to turn left onto a green lane. This bears right between fences to reach a minor road. Turn left along the road for a short distance, looking out for the signed route which leave the road at a corner with a view over the river to Tomintoul beyond.

Stage 8

Head down the steep field and cross the footbridge and climb the steps on the far side turning left at the top to soon pick up a track. Stay on the track until the Campdalmore parking area is reached. Turn left to follow a path through the woods signed for the village and at the end of this bear right onto the main road where you turn left to follow the road through the main street of Tomintoul where there are shops, Youth Hostel, B&B, hotels, camping area, toilets and tourist information (seasonal). To return to the Speyside Way you can either return back along the Tomintoul Spur to Cragganmore, catch a bus, or follow the signed route to Dorbrack Lodge from where minor roads can be taken to Nethybridge, note that this latter option requires good navigation.